Friday, July 02, 2010

Kimono Dress

I made the Kimono Dress in the Heather Ross Weekend Sewing Book. I wanted to make it out of knit fabric, and I scored some inexpensive, yet stable interlock knit at my nearest mega-store, so I was willing to consider this dress a muslin.

Yes, I bought the fabric to match my shoes.

The sash fabric is silk from a different mega-store. I got it on clearance in the bridal section and could only get the 1/4 yard that you see there. It is nearly 44" wide and I simply cut it in half lengthwise and sewed it together. I finished the edges with a rolled hem on my serger, using wolly nylon in the upper looper.

The dress itself only vaguely follows the pattern. I made the bodice and then wrapped it around me until I had adequate coverage and a less plunging neckline. Then I took in the side seams of the skirt until it matched the circumference of the bodice. After I sewed the bodice to the skirt I tried the dress on and it was still way too big. So I took inches more off the waist, tapering from under the kimono sleeves to the hip. I got a little carried away and would like it to be a little less snug through my low-waist, but it's soft and comfy and stretchy! I'll be making many more!

Who I am

I was born into a family of seamsters, and started sewing at age 4, in my grandma’s sewing room. All the women in my family sew, as well as some of the men, so it was easy and natural to learn. As I was growing up, my mom owned a business teaching children’s sewing, meaning there were always new and interesting projects to try. Most of all, I loved making my own clothes!

My love of sewing never faded, and I worked my way through college in the costume shop of the Theater Department at Willamette University. I learned about period costumes, improved my construction skills, and began designing costumes. As the manager of the costume shop, I was responsible for teaching the new student employees how to sew.

I began writing and publishing my patterns in early 2006, starting with the Farmer’s Market Tote. I will continue to write patterns that cater to beginners. By writing simple patterns with easy instructions, beginners have a fun time and more experienced seamsters have opportunities to embellish the projects.

My experience includes garment making, quilting, home décor, and costume design and construction. I have taught sewing to children, college students, and adults, all with great success!

When I am not creating something new in my studio, I am chasing after my toddler, reading with my almost-Kindergartener or experimenting in the kitchen.